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Screening for stroke risk can save lives and money

Research conducted at Linköping University found that screening for atrial fibrillation in older people could increase the chance of preventing stroke while saving money for healthcare systems. The study, based on data from the STROKESTOP clinical trial, suggests that screening can be a cost-effective intervention.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 9, 2022

Spicing it up

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a prodrug form of curcumin called TBP1901, which has shown anti-tumor effects without causing harm. The study found that TBP1901's conversion to active curcumin is dependent on the enzyme GUSB, suggesting its potential therapeutic targets.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Cancer patients treated with immunotherapy can safely receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, according to JNCCN study

Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 17, 2022

IVI kicks off first ‘Introductory Course for Biologics Development and Manufacturing’ to train 117 people from 25 LMICs on July 18

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has launched a two-week training course for biologics development and manufacturing, targeting low- and middle-income countries. The program aims to enhance local production of vaccines and biologics in LMICs to address vaccine inequity and global pandemic preparedness.

App to help doctors help patients with leukemia

Researchers have developed an app to help doctors identify patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at risk of developing infections, allowing for earlier treatment. The app uses blood test results and genetic data to predict patient risk, improving treatment outcomes and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJun 24, 2022

Interactive tool to catalog omega-3 human studies introduced by trade group

The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) has introduced an interactive tool to catalog all human studies on EPA and DHA omega-3s. The Clinical Study Database (CSD) provides a comprehensive searchable database with over 45,000 studies, allowing users to filter by outcome, population demographics, study size or dosage.

SourceGOED·JournalProstaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids·DateJun 22, 2022

Does glaucoma affect cognitive function?

A recent study of 7,073 adults found that those with glaucoma had higher cognitive function scores but steeper declines over 18 years. The association was small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 22, 2022

Females far likelier to suffer with Long COVID, a new review of studies shows, underscoring a critical need for sex-disaggregated research

Researchers analyzed data from over 1.3 million patients and found females experience ear, nose, and throat issues, mood disorders, and fatigue, while males are more likely to suffer from renal disorders. Sex-disaggregated research is crucial for effective therapies and public health interventions.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 21, 2022

If you take several medications, ‘polypharmacy’ is a word to know

A recent study found that 70% of adults with stage 3 or 4 cancer were at risk of drug-drug interactions, highlighting the importance of deprescribing medications to avoid harm. The study's results emphasize the need for education and problem-solving to address polypharmacy in older adults with cancer.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalThe Oncologist·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 17, 2022

Houston Methodist study finds clues about concussions from the gut

Researchers discovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for concussions. The study found two bacterial species that dropped significantly after concussions, indicating a correlation with traumatic brain injury-linked proteins in the blood.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

A drug that cures alcoholism may be the next anti-anxiety medication

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that disulfiram inhibits FROUNT protein and chemokine signaling pathways, reducing anxiety levels in mice. The study suggests a potential breakthrough anti-anxiety medication with safe and effective treatment for elderly patients suffering from anxiety and insomnia.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2022

Recognizing an impending stroke

Researchers have identified a biomarker that indicates high risk of impending stroke post-subarachnoid hemorrhage, enabling early treatment initiation in comatose patients. Electrodiagnostic monitoring detects 'spreading depolarizations' caused by toxic by-products of blood breakdown, allowing clinicians to intervene before it's too late.

Aprotinin is effective in COVID-19 patients – researchers of Goethe University and University of Kent paved the way

Researchers from Goethe University and University of Kent found aprotinin effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta and Omicron, by preventing virus entry into host cells. A recent phase III clinical study demonstrated the treatment reduced hospital stays by five days.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

New studies in journal of pharmaceutical analysis demonstrate advancements in nanotechnology and their impact across multiple areas of human health

Recent studies published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis have found applications of nanotechnology in medicine, drug research, and environmental protection. Researchers developed nanodots made of carbon using natural polysaccharides from mushrooms to detect chromium, and created nanozymes that could be used to detect drug con...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

3D facial analysis shows biologic basis for gender-affirming surgery

Researchers analyzed 3D facial size and shape to quantify sex differences, providing data-driven anatomic guidance for gender-affirming facial surgery. The study shows significant differences in male and female craniofacial features, particularly in brow, jaw, nose, and cheek regions.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2022

Evidence abounds for capacity of physical activity to combat complications from COVID-19, scientist says

Research suggests that physically active individuals experience a milder form of COVID-19, with a reduced risk of hospitalization and death. Studies have found that physical activity can prolong vaccine effectiveness and boost the immune response, offering promising avenues for future research.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 29, 2022

NCCN pharmacy directors forum publishes recommendations for safely dispensing investigational medications for clinical trials

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new consensus recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of research studies involving investigational drugs. The recommendations focus on seven areas, including pharmacy workflows and collaboration with sponsors.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·DateMar 15, 2022

Predicting the success of kidney transplantations

A new study led by Professor Motoko Yanagita has found that advanced tertiary lymphoid tissues in kidney transplant patients are associated with progressive graft dysfunction. The presence of these tissues, which arise in chronic inflammatory conditions, can indicate a higher risk of renal failure within five years.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2021

Towards precision medicine for dialysis patients

A research team from the University of Zurich has identified a common genetic variant in the AQP1 gene that affects treatment efficacy and patient survival on peritoneal dialysis. Patients carrying this variant have a higher risk of death, but researchers found a way to circumvent the problem using colloid osmotic agents.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

National Kidney Foundation, Leading nephrology experts develop roadmap to advance kidney disease research

The National Kidney Foundation has released a research roadmap to accelerate innovations in treatment and increase understanding of kidney disease. The report calls for increased funding in preclinical science, genetics, health equity, and implementation science to tackle the most vexing challenges in kidney disease.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 7, 2021

October issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover diabetes and depression connection; schizophrenia treatment; mental health of community college students and more

The American Psychiatric Association journals feature research on the mental health of community college students, diabetes, depression, and schizophrenia treatment. The findings extend and validate previous studies relevant to clinical psychiatry.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2021

Are too many Phase III cancer clinical trials set up to fail?

A recent study published in JNCCN found that four out of five cancer therapies tested in Phase III trials did not achieve clinically-meaningful benefits in prolonging survival. The researchers analyzed 362 industry-sponsored trials and found that 87% were either false-positive or true-negative for meeting overall survival goals.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 23, 2021

Improving strength, stretchiness and adhesion in hydrogels for wound healing

Researchers from Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation develop methods to enhance mechanical properties of hydrogels, including toughness, stretchiness, and adhesive strength. By introducing dopamine and alkaline conditions, they create gel-like materials with improved biocompatibility and regenerative capabilities.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021